This case analysis describes a program to improve the efficiency with which students in the Adult and Vocational Education Ph.D. program at the University of Connecticut work towards and achieve the doctoral degree. Data gathered between 1985 to 1992 indicated students (who were mostly part-time) dropped out at a 50 percent rate and took 7 to 10…

The Center for Education of the National Research Council (NRC) has undertaken a series of activities to address issues related to the quality of scientific education research. In 2002, the NRC released "Scientific Research in Education" (National Research Council, 2002), a report designed to articulate the nature of scientific education research…

Describes development of Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering degree program at the University of California at Los Angeles. Includes rationale for the program, means by which it functions, unique characteristics, curriculum and accomplishments to date, all with particular concern for needs derived from the Toxic Substances Control Act…

Presents a profile of science Ph.D.'s and discusses the dissertation as research publishing patterns, predicting commitment to research, researchers versus nonresearchers, and the future of the Ph.D. degree. (JN)

Degree requirements in computer science at Monash University are summarized, problems relating to them are discussed, and suggestions for improving them are offered that stress a clearer definition of expectations. (JSR)

Reports on a qualitative investigation of eight African Americans' persistence in predominantly White university doctoral programs. Discusses ways in which university faculty and administrators can enhance African American persistence and successful completion of the doctoral process. Focuses on participant profiles, interviewing procedures,…

The role of research and supervision in doctoral education are discussed in the context of Australia's policy debate concerning graduate study. Doctoral education is reframed as a form of professional education in which students are introduced to the professional practice of research and scholarship, with the supervisor responsible for assisting…

Examines student satisfaction with a doctoral degree offered at a distance based upon the constructs of immersion in advanced study and interaction with and through technology. Immersion in graduate study with mediated communication and access to educational resources can provide a substitute for traditional residence requirements. (Author/AEF)

Men and women (N=60) who had begun doctoral studies between ages of 37 and 48, half in traditional and half in self-directed learning (SDL) programs, completed 2 questionnaires. Significant ego development was found in the nonauthoritarian SDL environments, which were challenging and nurturing and fostered content mastery, skill acquisition, and…

Examines the top graduate programs in the geosciences listed in a 1983 "Changing Times" article. Notes the nine programs are substantially linked to each other by hiring each others' graduates, and hence, enhancing each others' reputation. (Author/MVL)

Presents the results of a survey of perceived quality of doctoral programs in mass communication as rated by members of the Broadcast Education Association and members of the Association for Communication Administration. (MS)

Discussion of the use of online learning activities in higher education focuses on experiences with a master's degree program in educational technology leadership at George Washington University (Washington, DC) that involves online learning as an essential element. Plans to create an online doctoral program in distance education leadership are…

Guidelines for learning and teaching structural equation modeling (SEM) in doctoral-level social work educational programs are offered. Essential ingredients of an introductory course, successful and unsuccessful methods of instruction, practical course organization, and integration of the material into the doctoral curriculum are discussed.…

Presents results of a survey of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs in educational communications and technology. Highlights include entrance requirements, graduation requirements, academic help for students, program content, curriculum evaluation, accreditation, faculty research, and international master's programs. (AEF)

A study based on national data found that the average duration of doctoral study was related to departmental emphases on scholarly careers and the resources to implement those emphases. Patterns varied by general discipline area and by specific discipline, suggesting a need for detailed analysis by discipline. (Author/MSE)